Level 1
Childcare, Pre-technical Certificate
Level 1
Childcare, Pre-technical Certificate
If you’re passionate about working with children and want to begin your journey into early years education, this introductory course is the perfect starting point. The Childcare Pre-Technical Certificate helps you build confidence, develop essential skills, and gain a clear understanding of what it’s like to support young children in their learning and development.
This qualification is ideal if you're ready to take your first step into the childcare sector and want a supportive, hands-on course that prepares you for further study or progression into work-based routes.
Course Overview
This one-year programme introduces you to the foundations of childcare through practical activities, classroom learning, and real-world contexts. You’ll explore how children grow, learn, and communicate, and you’ll develop the skills needed to support them safely and effectively.
At our Knightstone Campus, the education and early years department boasts outstanding, sector-specific facilities, including a fully equipped community room, bright modern classrooms, two industry-style training rooms, and a unique bubble room designed for hands-on messy play activities.
You’ll join our Career Excellence Hub, where strong employer partnerships, highly experienced staff, and a wealth of practice-based opportunities - including high-quality placements and inspiring guest speakers – will help you gain the skills, confidence, and professional knowledge you need to excel in your childcare career.
Guided by lecturers with hands-on experience in early years settings, you’ll develop a solid understanding of child development, caring routines, and the responsibilities of a childcare professional. The course is designed to build your confidence, improve your employability skills, and prepare you for the next step in education or training. Practical learning is a key focus, with weekly professional practice sessions where you will develop the core skills of an early years practitioner. You’ll learn how to plan and set up age-appropriate activities for children across different age groups.
You will also take part in half-termly stay-and-play sessions within the local community. These sessions, planned, resourced, and led by learners, involve interacting with parents and caregivers, preparing snacks, and delivering engaging activities for children.
Once you are ready, you will attend one day per week in an education setting, gaining real-world experience and confidence working directly with children.
What will I study?
You will cover a range of introductory childcare topics, such as:
- Understanding how children grow and develop
- Supporting learning through play
- Healthy eating and hygiene routines
- Communicating with children and adults
- Safeguarding and keeping children safe
- Planning simple activities for young children
- Professional skills needed in early years settings
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is coursework-based and designed to help you develop practical, real-world skills. You will complete:
- Written assignments
- Practical tasks
- Observations
- Portfolio-building activities
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
- Support from our dedicated Career Excellence Hub
- Opportunities to explore early years environments
- Workshops led by sector professionals
- Guidance on progression routes and career planning
- Access to high-quality facilities and learning resources A Weston College polo top must be worn for all placements and Stay & Play sessions at the College. Uniform should be purchased before the October half term. Alternatively, for learners receiving a bursary, the curriculum team can place the order on your behalf (bursary must have been applied for and approved).
Entry requirements
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 3-1 or above, including at least two at grade 3
- Good school attendance up to the end of year 11
- A positive attitude and a genuine interest in working with children
- You must also pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before undertaking any placement activity. This is paid for by the College, but you will need to provide two references and a letter from your school.
What can I do after this course?
This programme prepares you to progress onto:
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Childcare or Health & Social Care qualifications
- Apprenticeships in early years or education support roles
Future careers could include:
- Early years practitioner
- Nursery assistant
- Teaching assistant
- Playworker
- Children’s activity leader
With further study, you could progress into roles such as early years teacher, child psychologist, family support worker, or primary school teacher.
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
